Download You may be a victim of Colorectal Cancer

March: International Colorectal Cancer Month
You may be a victim of Colorectal Cancer
 Every year, approximately 700 thousand deaths are reported throughout the world as a result
of colorectal cancer1.
 50% of deaths due to colorectal cancer may have been prevented through early diagnosis
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 diagnosi diaemprano2.
“Ignoring a gut feeling?” This is the motto used by Roche, the international
pharmaceutical healthcare leader to launch an awareness campaign about the dangers
and need of early detection for colorectal cancer, the third most commonly reported
cancer worldwide3.
Given the risk that this disease represents to the population as well as the scarcity of
information, Roche is commemorating International Colorectal Cancer Month along
with patient associations and other healthcare organizations. Roche will promote this
day with a prevention and awareness campaign beginning on March 2 throughout the
different countries in the Region. We will be sending the dates soon.
Medical specialists will present conferences, deliver information and answer
questions about the disease, its symptoms, prevention and early detection.
In Central America, the World Health Organization reports that the death rate for this
disease is 50 cases for every 100,000 inhabitants depending on the country.4
“Extending life depends on detecting this dangerous and silent disease. Colorectal
cancer may not present symptoms during its initial stages. For this reason, prevention
is key, especially early detection since it can be cured if it is detected early”,
commented Dr. Marco Castillo, Roche Medical Director.
Early Detection: More Hope for Life5
1
World Health Organization. Cancer http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/
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Vogelaar I, van Ballegooijen M, et al. How Much Can Current Interventions Reduce Colorectal Cancer Mortality in
the U.S.? Cancer2006 Aug 24; 107(7): 1624-1633
Ferlay J, et al. Ann. Oncol., 2007; 18(3): 581-92
Organización Mundial de la Salud.
BHShttps://apps.who.int/infobase/report.aspx?rid=119&iso=BHS&generateReport=Generate+Report
BRB https://apps.who.int/infobase/report.aspx?rid=119&iso=BRB&generateReport=Generate+Report
JAM https://apps.who.int/infobase/report.aspx?rid=119&iso=JAM&generateReport=Generate+Report
KNAhttps://apps.who.int/infobase/report.aspx?rid=119&iso=KNA&generateReport=Generate+Report
LCAhttps://apps.who.int/infobase/report.aspx?rid=119&iso=LCA&generateReport=Generate+Report
VCThttps://apps.who.int/infobase/report.aspx?rid=119&iso=VCT&generateReport=Generate+Report
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National Cancer Institute http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/colorectal/patient
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If prevention is a key factor in avoiding any type of cancer, early detection is key for
the patient to survive this disease. Colorectal cancer has signs that can help identify
it early in the body.
Changes in one’s normals intestinal habits, constant fatigue, vomiting, weight loss for
unknown reasons, diahrrea or constipation, blood in stool and general abdominal pain 6.
The American Cancer Association also recommends that adults over 50 have
colonoscopies and blood tests for blood in stool in order to detect the disease early,
especially if risk factors are identified.
Causes that Accelerate Cancer
According to the American Cancer Association and the World Health Organization,
being overweight, lack of exercise and even smoking causes a person to a have
higher tendency of suffering from colon cancer.
Dr. Castillo explains that other factors such as a poor diet that is high in fat and low in
fiber and consumption of vegetables as well as a family history of the disease also
contribute.
“In the past few years, we have seen a tendency of this disease in younger people,
due to unhealthy lifestyles, stated Dr. Castillo.
How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer?
Some recommendations include:
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Avoid smoking
Maintain proper bodyweight
Avoide eating excess meat and fat
Drink alcohol moderately
Exercise regularly
Eat fruit and vegetable regularly. Fiber is essential for the intestine to function
properly.
If you are older than 50, make sure to have a colonoscopy. Studies show that
1 out of every 4 people have polyps which may produce cancer.
Sources: www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/colorrectal/patient
Avastin®: Effective Treatment
Avastin® Avastin is the first of a new class of drugs, called anti-angiogenics. It is
approved for the treatment of colon, breast, renal and lung cancer as well as
glioblastoma multiform.
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Idem
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Avastin® (bevacizumab) by Roche is a therapy developed biotechnologically that
inhibits the appearance and growth of the blood vessels that provide nutrients to the
tumor known as angiogenesis.
“Avastin® represents a significant leap in the treatment of colorectal cancer. From a
treatment perspective, its action mechanism is revolutionary and the fight against
angiogenesis is the result of years of research focused on improving patient life
expectancy”, commented Dr. Marco Castillo.
This treatment is not chemotherapy. Avastin prevents the stimulation and apparition
of new blood vessels that irrigate the cancerous tissue. By inhibiting angiogenesis,
the growth of the tumor is stopped as well as the spread of cancer cells throughout
the body.
Ignoring a gut feeling?
“Ignoring a gut feeling?”, is the motto used by Roche to raise awareness among
the Central American population regarding early detection as well as provide
information about certain types of cancer and how to prevent the disease.
Through the “Friends for Life” program which has been in existence for many years
and jointly with the participation of various Patients Associations and Companies,
Roche has been promoting the early detectdion of breast cancer. This 2010 it is
extending its awareness program to include the prevention of colorectal and lung
cancer as well as Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Through the www.amigosporlavida.com (by now it is not available in English but you can
go to www.roche.com) website, web surfers will be able to learn more about this
campaign, its advancements and cancer updates in every country as well as the
activities held in the region during March to commemorate International Colorectal
Cancer Month.
More information at: www.roche.com
Press Contact: Erica Vega, Roche Central America & Caribbean Communications Manager
[email protected] // Telephone: +506 2298-1579
All of the brands mentioned in this press release are protected by law.
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